Questions about Hexar AF Silver

[h.v.]

So I might be getting my hands on a Konica Hexar (AF) Silver shortly. The description for the camera says "auto date". I've tried researching this, but everything that comes up is for the more common Black model. Even online camera models aren't for the Silver version, I've found. I just want to make sure, before I take the plunge, that "auto date back" can be turned off? If not, is the date marking on the back of the photo, or between frames, or is it right on the photo, like a tacky '80s point and shoot time stamp?

For those who have used the camera, how do you find the controls? I've heard they can be a bit awkward, but I'm sure I could get used to it.

A while back, I also read that the Hexar can have trouble focusing through glass/windows. I've tried to locate where I read this, but I can't find it. I think it was on RFF. Anyways, can anyone confirm this to be an issue? I've seen some, not many, photos focused fine through windows, so I'm not sure. I recall reading it had something to do with the camera's unique AF system.

Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[Katie]

I know nothing about hexars, but a date back simply imprint the date and roll number on the leader of the film.

 

[h.v.]

Really? I didn't know that. Still would be helpful to know if it could be turned off as I wouldn't really have use for that. What date would it use? The date the last exposure or the first exposure is taken?

 

[agphotography]

I'm not sure about the auto date back but I believe that you can just press the mode button a number of times it'll turn off the imprinting. Otherwise, I've been using the Hexar extensively for a while, and once you acclimate to the controls it's quite easy to operate. It gets a bit fussy from time to time but I find that's only the case in extremely close range.

 

[Katie]

On my canon 1V there is a way to set the date and roll number, but I've never bothered to figure it out. The imprint is on a section of film with no images on it, so it usually gets cut off and thrown away anyway.

 

[agphotography]

The 1V has a slightly different imprinting system, it is actually really handy because it'll put some useful info in the film leader, that was one of the things I really liked about my 1V. I miss that camera sometimes.

Ironically, I sold it to buy my Hexar

 

[Katie]

I might be selling mine soon if your interested. It's a full setup with rechargeable batteries AND the charger.

 

[h.v.]

Thanks guys for your help.

So, something interesting just came up. If anyone can help within the next little while, that'd be great. I've watched these Hexar's for a while at various places only to see them snatched up, so I want to decide quick before someone snatches another one up.

All along I'd been looking at the one listed on Dead Link Removed. I'm new to ordering from the States, so I naturally e-mailed them a few questions. The condition is EX+ and for $499.99, which is cheaper than other places I've seen it, particularly for such good condition. This is where I was planning on buying from.

However, if I were to order from one of the big U.S. retailers with used stock, I always would have preferred using B&H, who can calculate everything - duties, etc. - right up front so you don't get smacked with hidden fees. For the longest time, they never had anything, then more recently they got a Hexar RF in stock. I just decided to check, just in case, if B&H had anything today. As luck would have it, they do. It too is a Silver model. It is cheaper, at $489.95 and it includes the flash kit. The only thing is that it's rating is 8+, which is still high but not as high as the one on KEH's website.

So what are peoples experiences with eithers rating system? Should I just go ahead with the B&H one, which is cheaper, includes more, and still has a pretty damn good rating or would KEH work out better for me?

I'm not sure about the auto date back but I believe that you can just press the mode button a number of times it'll turn off the imprinting. Otherwise, I've been using the Hexar extensively for a while, and once you acclimate to the controls it's quite easy to operate. It gets a bit fussy from time to time but I find that's only the case in extremely close range.

Yeah, that's what I read for the Black versions that had auto date, but wasn't sure if it'd be the same for the Silver version. I don't really care so long as the date imprint doesn't go on the frame, that is what I was worried about.

 

[agphotography]

Well I never hesitate to buy from KEH. They have always done right by me and have always been very conservative with their ratings. I just bought a Nikon 50mm lens from them that was rated as Bargain grade, when I got it, you'd be hard pressed to tell it from a brand new one. My own Hexar came from the RFF forums, but the nice thing with buying from KEH is that you get a 6 month warranty in case something goes wrong.

Only you can decide how big of a deal the flash is. I just got mine (from KEH no less) about a month ago but I've yet to actually use it. I've done a few snaps here and there, but more often than not it just stays in the bag.

 

[h.v.]

Well, I went with B&H. I don't have to worry about unknown customs charges, it's cheaper, still good condition, comes with flash, plus I was able to buy some film that is hard to come by locally for dirt cheap. Plus I have 90 days in case something goes wrong. Very excited for the camera's arrival. Kinda hoping it'll arrive by Friday (it shipped Monday) so I can use it this weekend.

I'd still love to hear people's thoughts on the camera if they have anything to add .

 

[sangetsu]

The Hexar AF is a superb camera, and for the quality of the photos it produces, it is a bargain. The date feature can be turned off, or you can simply remove the battery from the back. I have a couple of Hexars with data backs, and have had no trouble turning them off.

I've collected a few Hexars, black, Silver, and Rhodium. The finish is not important, but I can't pass up a Hexar if I find a good deal on one.

 

[Taslim Abdani]

I have both the Black version with stealth mode and the later silver version. I know nothing of date imprint, i guess that's another silver version. If you shoot too close to an object you get the infamous EEE and the camera locks up. All you have to do is remove the battery, put it back and everything is ok. I've shot through glass but again, if you get too close you jam up the machine. The Hexar AF is a great camera for street photography. It is quiet and very fast. I got both of mine before the prices spiked. Enjoy yours.

 

[AgX]

I know nothing about hexars, but a date back simply imprint the date and roll number on the leader of the film.

The typical 35mm data-back imprints data (typically the date) in a corner of the image, in some cases on the spacing between frames, by exposing through the base of the film.

 

[h.v.]

Sangetsu: Ok, definitely will try that out when it gets here (based on the shipment tracking info, I'm guessing Monday, which will be right after a nice, mild weekend. Oh well).

Taslim Abdani: Oh yes, thank you. I remember reading about that long ago, but completely forgot. Thanks for reminding me. So taking out the battery and putting it back in won't mess with the auto film advance or the exposures left countdown?

AgX: Yeah, which is why I'd prefer it off.

 

[AgX]

I would be very, very surprised if with such a camera the date function would not be swichable.
If not, there would be in principle several ways to deactivate date-exposing.

The body of the Hexar AF has two contacts beneath the lower film rail. I assume these to activate the date exposure. Isolating them, with tape, would be my first attempt to deactivate the date feature.

 

[craigclu]

If you haven't stumbled into the information, be aware that the stealth mode can be added to models not featuring the mode. There is a sequence of button pressing (not intuitive and you need the script to follow). It worked perfectly on mine and the mode was handy on a couple of occasions. I was always happy with the photographic results. Initial orientation time spent is important as the control systems are somewhat unique. I found that I had time gaps in using the camera for the duties I used it for and always felt a bit fumbly when I'd pick it up again.... I let it go in a weak moment and now regret not having it.

I may have a copy of the stealth script (once the body is programed, the mode is always there to select) so if you don't find it on the net, let me know and I'll do some digging here.

 

[h.v.]

Okay, my Silver Hexar arrived about 40 mins ago. I do have some questions, if anybody would be able to help me.

First and foremost, does anybody have a link to the Silver version's manual? All I could find was the Black model on butkus. It looks like the two are pretty similar, so I'm guessing the Black versions manual should work fine. However, that manual is a little hard to follow, so I'm a little lost. I tried the Photo.net Hexar page, and still have some unanswered questions.

Ok, I see on the film door, on the outside, is what I presume is for setting the date imprint back. When I press the three buttons, labelled mode, select, and set. Nothing appears. The little screen for it is completely blank. Does this mean I shouldn't have to worry about this? I'm guessing the previous owner took out the battery somehow for it.

Next...I guess you have to set exposure compensation each time you turn on the camera? Each time I turn it on, the top screen turns to 0.0.

Oh, and what does the lit red dot on the front of the camera mean?

 

[craigclu]

PM Sent re: having a manual for you.

 

[craigclu]

Here are a couple of jpegs that I found of the quick guide. I'll post in case they're of use to others.

 

[craigclu]

Silent Mode Script

Here's a copy of the routine.

 

[AgX]

Here are a couple of jpegs that I found of the quick guide. I'll post in case they're of use to others.

Interesting, I did not know about that MF-feature.


But how to operate the Focus-Hold (graphic #1) AND holding the camera properly ??

 

[h.v.]

I'm awaiting response from Craig. I'm guessing it may answer my three questions (one of them I figured out already - the data imprint back). I shot a roll of it today. The camera seems to work fine, which is good. I have a handful of missed shots just because probably I'm trying to get used to the quirks of the camera (quite different from an SLR/TLR). Some of the shots though, gorgeous. I'll try and post some once I'm through scanning the roll.

Some quick questions, though...

Anybody have any tricks for making sure the exact point you're wanting to focus on is in fact in focus. I tried a shot of someone in a mirror, and it ended up focusing on the back, not the reflection in the mirror (the face). I guess just centre on the specific focal point and then re-adjust with the shutter halfway pressed.

The other, bigger question is about failed shutter release. This doesn't happen often, but when it does, it is very annoying because with street you can miss a shot within a second. I know for a fact I'm further than 0.7m, so I shouldn't have the camera buggered up. However, I depress the shutter halfway to get the focus, then try to press all the way down, but when I do, nothing happens. The camera simply doesn't release the shutter and make an exposure. Very annoying.

Otherwise, the camera is a delight. Absolutely awesome for street. I'm amazed at how little some people noticed me. So, so much quieter than my clunky F90 (and this is without silent mode). The photos are sharp and detailed. Lovely.

 

[AgX]

I guess just centre on the specific focal point and then re-adjust with the shutter halfway pressed.

No, you have to press two buttons. Both on the right side. Needs two hands...
That's what my question above is about.

 

[h.v.]

That's manual focus, I'm talking about auto focus.

 

[AgX]

So, when would you use that "Focus Hold" ?

And as you got that camera in hand meanwhile, how do achieve this very procedure?